First, choose a fridge that will fit in your home and can be installed in line with its instructions. Then compare the space available for fresh and frozen food separately. A table-top fridge may suit a small space if its capacity is enough; a fridge freezer is a good choice if you need a separate freezer, while a multi-door model needs more room. You can then compare noise levels and energy consumption using the specifications for the exact model.
The size of your household can help you estimate the capacity you need, but the space available and how much frozen food you store can also affect which style is right for you.
A table-top fridge is worth considering if you have a low space to fill and shop frequently. Check its usable capacity, whether it has a freezer compartment that suits your needs, and its stated noise level if it will be close to your living area.
A fridge freezer lets you consider fridge and freezer capacities separately. The split between the two matters more than the total capacity alone if you do a big shop or keep plenty of frozen food in stock.
A multi-door fridge freezer can offer large, separate compartments. Before choosing one, measure its depth, check that the doors can open fully and plan the delivery route. If your chosen model has a water dispenser, check what connections it needs.
First rule out any appliances that won’t fit the space, then compare their compartments with your shopping habits. Noise, energy consumption and cooling type can help you choose between the models that meet those two requirements.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth of the space and delivery route. Check the instructions for the exact model for ventilation requirements and the clearance needed to open the doors. | I want to make sure the appliance will fit through the door, its doors can open and it can be installed properly. A suitable width alone doesn’t guarantee this. |
| Usable capacity | Compare fridge and freezer capacities separately. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits. | If I often buy in bulk, I need enough space in the compartments I actually use, not just a high total capacity. |
| Style | Check whether a table-top fridge will be enough or whether you need a separate freezer. For a built-in appliance, check the housing, hinges and cabinet door against the instructions. | I may have limited headroom, a separate freezer or an existing housing: each situation calls for a different appliance. |
| Noise | Check the stated noise level in dB(A) and the noise class on the label. Compare models that are likely to fit in your kitchen. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I want to take noise into account when choosing between models with suitable capacities. |
| Energy | Check the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh/year, preferably comparing appliances of a similar style and capacity. Check the label for the exact model. | Energy consumption matters to me, but I don’t want to compare a small fridge with a large multi-door model as if they did the same job. |
| Cooling type | Check whether the appliance uses static, fan-assisted or No Frost cooling, and which compartments each feature applies to. You’ll also need to set and check the temperature after installation. | If I want to avoid manual defrosting as much as possible, I’ll check which freezer function is specified rather than assume it from the appliance’s general name. |
Two appliances with similar total capacities can offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. A higher figure doesn’t necessarily mean the freezer will suit the amount you store.
Note down the usable capacity of each compartment and compare it with what you keep between shops.
The depth, doors when open or the route from your entrance could prevent delivery or installation, even if the appliance is narrow enough. A built-in housing also comes with its own requirements.
Measure all three dimensions, check the access route and consult the instructions for door clearance, ventilation and, if needed, attaching the cabinet door.
A No Frost label doesn’t tell you the noise level or annual energy consumption. These features answer different questions.
For every model you’re considering, check the cooling type for each compartment, the noise level in dB(A) and the energy label details separately.
If you’re replacing a fridge, you’ll also need to move the old one and arrange for it to be taken back or collected.
Before you order, ask the retailer how to arrange a take-back and whether it can happen when your new appliance is delivered.
These examples of ranges and models can help you identify features to compare. They don’t cover every appliance from each brand or the selection featured below.
Bosch offers table-top, fridge-freezer and built-in models, among others. Its product pages let you check the dimensions and capacities of a specific model.
The LG GMW765STGJ multi-door model is an example of a style suited to a kitchen with room for a large appliance.
The Beko TSE1284N is an example of a freestanding table-top fridge with a freezer compartment at the top.
This selection includes fridge freezers, a four-door model and a side-by-side model to suit different fridge and freezer needs. Compare their features with your kitchen and habits. This selection isn’t a substitute for considering a smaller model or a built-in appliance if that’s what your home requires.
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This fridge freezer offers separate spaces for fresh and frozen food in a new home. Its product details list a total capacity of 282 L and an E energy rating. Before choosing it, check how much space each compartment offers, along with the dimensions and clearance requirements.
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This four-door model is suited to a household looking for generous fridge and freezer space, provided it will fit in the kitchen. The model name lists a 467 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions, door clearance and installation instructions.
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This three-door model is worth considering if you want to split your shopping between fridge and freezer space. Its product details list a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Compare the capacity of each compartment and check the clearance needed for the doors before ordering.
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This fridge freezer may suit a household that wants to keep fresh and frozen food without moving up to a multi-door style. Its product details list a 333 L capacity, No Frost and an A energy rating. Compare the compartments with your shopping habits and check the installation instructions.
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This side-by-side model is worth considering if you need plenty of space in both compartments and have room for an appliance of this size. Its product details list 333 L of fridge space, 192 L of freezer space, No Frost, 37 dB and an E energy rating. Check its dimensions and delivery route, and confirm the annual energy consumption on the product page for the exact model.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and check the freezer capacity separately if you store frozen food.
Anses advises setting the fridge below 4 °C and gives a storage temperature range of 0 to +4 °C at the coldest point. Check the temperature inside the appliance after switching it on rather than relying only on the displayed setting.
No. The appliance dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that it will fit. Compare the housing, ventilation, hinge system and cabinet door fixing requirements with the instructions for the model you’re considering.
Arrange for it to be taken away before your new appliance is delivered. Ask the retailer about a like-for-like take-back when you buy, or find out about a suitable collection service.